Japanese encephalitis

Definition

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system, primarily spread by mosquitoes. It can lead to inflammation of the brain and severe neurological complications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Japanese encephalitis is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), which belongs to the Flavivirus genus.
2. The primary vector for JEV transmission is the Culex mosquito, especially Culex tritaeniorhynchus.
3. Symptoms range from mild fever and headache to severe cases involving seizures, coma, and permanent neurological damage.
4. The disease is most prevalent in rural areas of Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific regions, particularly during monsoon seasons.
5. There is no specific antiviral treatment for Japanese encephalitis; prevention through vaccination and mosquito control measures are crucial.

Review Questions

Related terms

Flavivirus:

A genus of viruses that includes JEV, dengue virus, Zika virus, and West Nile virus.

Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain often caused by infections or autoimmune responses.

Vector-borne Disease: An illness caused by pathogens transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes or ticks.